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Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The Von Wentletrap Family

Not too long ago, I mentioned I'd try to post more pictures of local snails. Back in June 2012, I shared some pictures of Tinted Wentletraps (Epitonium tinctum). Well, here's "the other wentletrap" —
that is, a different species of wentletrap (Family Epitoniidae), but one that may also be observed on Bodega Head.

Although this shell had washed up on the beach, Boreal Wentletraps (Opalia wroblewskyi, formerly Opalia borealis, formerly Opalia chacei) are often associated with their prey —
Giant Green Anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica).

Here's another view, this time from below:

Boreal Wentletraps reach a maximum size of ~35 mm long, so keep an eye open for these beautiful turreted shells.

P.S. There's a bonus snail in these photos. Near the top edge, there are two very small reddish-brown snails. They're actually adult snails (that's about as big a they get!). Say hello to Barleeia haliotiphila.